FC Pune City players Augustin Fernandes and Lenny Rodrigues have urged Goan clubs Salgaocar and Sporting Clube de Goa to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the I-League, even as the duo get ready for their next season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and first as team mates. Following their second division title, Dempo are the only Goan club left in the I-League
Agencies
FC Pune City players Augustin Fernandes and Lenny Rodrigues have urged Goan clubs Salgaocar and Sporting Clube de Goa to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the I-League, even as the duo get ready for their next season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and first as team mates.
On June 24, Salgaocar and Sporting Clube de Goa announced that they had decided to leave the I-League with effect from the coming season over the AIFF's decision to restructure the national football league system.
The AIFF's draft plan, made public last month, is to form a three-tier football system in India from 2017-18.
"When a friend woke me up with the news that Salgaocar and Sporting had withdrawn from the I-League, I was shattered," said Augustin, who played as a left-back for Atletico de Kolkata last season.
"I myself have played for Salgaocar for five years and I have several friends who have played for Sporting, and it pains me to see this state of Goan football. I have no idea what prompted the owners to take this extreme step, but as a player I can only pray that they come back to the fold."
Midfielder Rodrigues, who has played for Pune City across both 2014 and 2015, is yearning for a chance to win the only trophy he says is missing from his cabinet. He too expressed disappointment at the decision of the Goan clubs to withdraw, and hopes that AIFF's "final binding proposal" scheduled to be shared by July 31 will resolve the ongoing situation.
"I have heard that the Goan clubs have shut shop because of the ISL," said Rodrigues. "I would hope they reconsider, simply because of the young Goan players." Augustin used his debut ISL last year to propel himself to the national team, and is relishing the prospect of reuniting with coach Antonio Lopez Habas in Pune. "I know what style he plays, and as a left-back he always encouraged me to move forward if given a chance," Fernandes said, when reminded of one of the goals of the 2015 season he scored after a delightful exchange of passes with Sameehg Doutie against Mumbai City.
"When I was a small child, my only dream was to play for the national team, and I will always be grateful to Atletico for helping me realise that," said Fernandes, who made his India debut as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Guam in November 2015. Both Fernandes and Rodrigues are anomalies from a state that traditionally has had enough clubs that nurture local talent and give them platforms to play at the highest level.
The imminent closure of two of the top clubs worries Rodrigues, who played in the last I-League season for Mohun Bagan. "My advice to young Goan footballers is to go out and play," said Rodrigues. "You can make your name and fame in Goa, but you must go outside and see the world. It is particularly eye-opening when you are with Mohun Bagan, and practising on the eve of the derby (clash against crosstown rivals East Bengal) and 6000 supporters turn up just to cheer you on."
